Methodology for the analysis of the extended value chain of cocoa, with emphasis on the opportunities for local business.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the results of the application of a methodology designed to diagnose value chains. It was applied in the diagnosis of the cocoa value chain, in the Cuban province of Guantánamo. It was developed as part of the project "Support to the cocoa production chain in the Guantanamo Rural-East", with the cooperation of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), the Institute of Agroforestry Research and the government agents of the province. As a result, key actors were identified within the social economic framework of the cocoa value chain and the main barriers that limit the development of productive processes that add value to the chain were determined. In order to apply the diagnosis some research tools were used: the application of a designed methodology, methods of content analysis, direct observation of the processes and interviews.